Figurative Language Study Guide
Simile-
a comparison of two things usually not compared using the words
“like” or “as”
Examples:
 Adam is like a bull in a china shop.
 Mrs. Koma is as sweet as cotton candy.
Metaphor –
a comparison of two things usually not compared without
using the words “like” or “as”; one thing is said to be
another
Examples:
 When Mr. Bielawski gets up in the mornings, he is a bear.
 During the day, Amelia is a princess.
Personification -
giving non-human things the qualities of a person
Examples:
 The stars danced in the moonlight.
 The flags waved at me as the wind was blowing.
Synonym -
words that are the same or similar in meaning
Examples:
 amazing – spectacular
 exhilarated – energetic
Antonym -
words that are opposite in meaning
Examples:
 organized- disorganized
 clean-filthy
Proverb/Adage - a saying that is believed to be true; it is often short and
is based on people’s experiences over time; often used
by people for a long time to share wisdom
Examples:
 Birds of a feather flock together.
 Practice makes perfect.
Idiom - a word or saying many people in a certain place or area say; the
literal meaning is different from the intended meaning.
Examples:
 You got up on the wrong side of the bed.
 I am feeling under the weather.
homograph - words that are spelled the same but may be pronounced
differently and mean different things
Examples:
 present - present
 wind – wind
homophone - words that sound the same but are spelled differently and
mean different things
Examples:
 waste - waist
 pain - pane